The teeth are among the first things many people notice when we approach and talk or smile at them. Therefore, it is key that we maintain healthy teeth. There are a lot of dental problems attributed to poor oral hygiene, including teeth discoloration, gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath. Those diseases could affect your overall health, especially those with existing mental health issues. For example, elderly people with dementia are unable to take care of their oral health on their own. That is why Alzheimer’s patients need special dental attention. Some of the ways you can take good care of your teeth include;
1. Brushing Your Teeth
This is one of the most important things you need to do for proper oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed. Also, ensure that you brush all the surfaces of your teeth; the biting, the front, and the back surfaces.
Brush gently in circular motions and focus on every tooth. That helps remove all the food particles on the surface of your teeth and between the gums. You should also brush your tongue because it might contain some bacteria that could cause gum disease.
2. Use the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Brushing with the right toothbrush and toothpaste helps kill bacteria and also protects your teeth and gums. You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles that will not hurt your gums. You should also replace it after every three months.
To avoid the buildup of bacteria on your toothbrush, do not store it in a closed or moist area. Fluoride toothpaste is the best to use because it helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
3. Flossing
Flossing helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth in spaces that your toothbrush could not get into. That helps reduce the buildup of bacteria that cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
To floss, buy high-quality dental floss that will not break in between uses. Use a clean section of the floss between every tooth and clean the side surfaces of each tooth. Dentists recommend that you floss twice daily.
- Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps create an alkaline environment in the mouth, which discourages the growth of bacteria. It also cleans areas that are hard to reach with your toothbrush and remineralizes your teeth. It also helps reduce bad breath.
Before using mouthwash, ask your dentist for advice on the best mouthwash for you, especially if you have sensitive teeth and gums. Avoid the ones with active ingredients like alcohol because they could irritate you.
5. Eating Crunchy Vegetables and Fruits
Eating raw and crunchy fruits and vegetables helps strengthen your teeth and gums, which keeps them healthy.
6. Proper Diet
Avoid sugary and acidic foods to maintain strong and healthy teeth. The bacteria in the mouth convert sugary foods to acid that then erodes your teeth’ enamel. That could later lead to cavities or tooth decay.
Acidic foods like citric fruits also erode the enamel of your teeth. You should also avoid very hard foods because they could weaken your teeth and jaws.
7. Drinking Water
Instead of drinking sugary drinks, substitute that with water. Some of those drinks like Coca-Cola, tea, and coffee could also discolor your teeth, which is why you should either substitute them with water or drink water after drinking them.
Drink water after every meal and after snacking on a sugary snack. That helps remove the food particles from your teeth.
8. Quit Smoking
The tar and smoke from tobacco smoke sit on your teeth and cause them to stain permanently. It could also cause other oral problems like mouth cancer.
9. Visit a Dentist Regularly
Visiting your doctor at least twice a year helps you maintain proper oral health because the dentist could detect oral problems before they arise and advise you on the best way to prevent them.
The dentist also advises you on some additional practices you should add to your daily oral hygiene routine.
During those visits, you can also have the dentist professionally clean your teeth to remove any build-up plaque and tartar and the discolored layer of your teeth.
10. Cosmetic Dentistry
This is one of the most commonly used ways to fix oral problems. There are a lot of cosmetic dentistry procedures, each aimed at dealing with a different problem. Consult with your dentist to find the best procedure for your problem.
For example, if you have permanently discolored, overcrowded, over spaced, chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth, porcelain veneers Brisbane could help fix those issues.
Other cosmetic dentistry procedures include dental implants, dental bridges, inlays and overlays, and composite bonding. They all help restore your teeth and protect them from further damage.